Major vs Minor Minerals in India

Under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, minerals are classified into major and minor. The central government holds authority over major minerals, while states control minor minerals (often used for construction). In 2015, the government declared 31 additional minerals as 'minor minerals'. Bentonite is officially classified as a minor mineral (Statement 1 is incorrect). Chromite, Kyanite, and Sillimanite are heavily utilized in metallurgy and refractories and remain classified as major minerals under the First Schedule of the Act (Statements 2, 3, and 4 are correct). > One-line conceptual takeaway: Widespread, low-value earthen materials like sand, clay, and bentonite are 'minor minerals' regulated by states, while strategically industrial ores remain 'major minerals'. Answer: (d).